Events

Registration required (all ages)
Did you know Missouri is home to North America’s largest rodent? Come on in and learn some unique facts about one of Missouri’s busiest critters, the beaver.

Walk-in (all ages) Discover what’s for dinner at Burr Oak Woods as the captive snakes enjoy their feast every other Friday.

Walk-in (ages 3-8: all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Walk-in (ages 3-8: all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Registration required (ages 6-8)
Get ready to feel the tug on your line! Join us for a fun and unique fishing experience using cane poles. No reels needed! Cane fishing poles are primitive, but their simple design makes fishing easy and exciting for anglers of any age.

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 or 4.

The class will cover the following - Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish . Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Ages 7 and above. Children 7-15 must be accompanied by a parent.

Registration required (families)
Trek into an amazing creek ecosystem to discover what lives in or depends on Burr Oak Creek. Splish and splash in the mud, water and rocks in search of tadpoles, fish, insects and more.

Walk-in (adults) From Henry Schoolcraft two hundred years ago to the writers of today, literary minds have been trying to capture the landscape of the Ozarks in words. Sometimes those efforts succeed, and sometimes they fall prey to the stereotyping and mythologizing that so often characterizes portrayals of the people of the Ozarks. Novelist and literary critic Steve Wiegenstein, himself a fifth-generation Ozarker, looks at the efforts through the years to depict the forests, caves, springs and rivers of the Ozarks, admiring the successes and acknowledging the missteps. This program is presented in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. with the program starting at 6:30 p.m.

Registration required (ages 6-8)
Join us as we get wet and wild exploring Burr Oak Creek for wildlife and discover why creeks are an important habitat.